Places

Istanbul

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Overview

Istanbul (historically Byzantium and later Constantinople; see the other names of Istanbul) is Europe's most populous city (the world's 4th largest city proper and 20th largest urban area) and Turkey's cultural and financial center. The city covers 27 districts of the Istanbul province. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn, in the northwest of the country. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus, and is thereby the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents. In its long history, Istanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

Source: Wikipedia

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Reviews & Tips

DoubleY

A beautiful city that combines a Mediterranean climate with hills like San Francisco's, decadent food, drinks, bathhouses, and hookah bars, and three bodies of water surrounding it. Not to mention historical sites from the Byzantine Empire and peaceful, gorgeous mosques from the Ottoman Empire. This is a democratic, secular country that is nearing entrance to the European Union, and Istanbul, its biggest city (but no longer its capital) sits literally at the border of Europe and Asia. To escape from mundane life in the West, I can think of no better place.

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Posted about 1 year ago

casandra

three words: old istanbul hostels. very cheap and close to everything. my hostel was Star hostel and liked it a lot. my favorite place nearby: basilica cistern, close to hagia sophia and blue mosque.

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Posted about 1 year ago

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